Fredericksburg, TX –The National Museum of the Pacific War invites the public to experience Pacific Valor, its signature living history battle program, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Museum’s Pacific Combat Zone (508 E. Austin Street, Fredericksburg, TX).
This immersive program brings history to life through a dramatic recreation of one of the Pacific War’s fiercest battles—the invasion of Tarawa. Audiences will step into the story of Staff Sergeant William Jennings Bordelon, a Marine who heroically gave his life as a demolitionist during the November 1943 assault on the island. His courage and sacrifice earned him the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration.
In a special addition to this year’s program, members of the Bordelon family will be in attendance, and the Museum will proudly display Staff Sergeant Bordelon’s original Medal of Honor, which is part of its collection.
Featuring restored WWII vehicles, simulated explosives, and blank-firing weapons, Pacific Valor transports visitors into the sights and sounds of combat as it unfolded more than 80 years ago. The program is presented by the Museum’s dedicated Company K Living History Volunteers, who authentically portray the experiences of the men and women who served in the Pacific Theater.
Programs will be offered at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., with pre-shows beginning 30 minutes prior to each performance.
Please Note: This presentation is not recommended for small children, pets, or individuals with heart conditions due to loud noises and simulated battle effects.
Tickets:
Adults: $20
Military (with ID): $15
Children (6–17): $10
College Students (with ID): $10
Children (5 and under): Free
WWII Veterans: Free
Online ticket purchases are highly encouraged. Seating is first come, first served.
The Admiral Nimitz Foundation was established in 1971 as a 501(c)(3) Texas Corporation to provide additional development funding for the Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Naval Museum, a museum honoring Fredericksburg’s native son and Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces, Pacific Ocean Area. The sole purpose of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation is to raise funds for the National Museum of the Pacific War and to manage its operation.
About the National Museum of the Pacific War
The National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW), founded in 1967, is the only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific and Asiatic Theaters in World War II. The Museum annually welcomes more than 120,000 visitors, including at least 15,000 students from across the state. The museum sits on six acres in downtown Fredericksburg, Texas featuring three galleries with more than 55,000 square feet of exhibit space, 40 media installations, approximately 900 artifacts, 15 macro-artifacts, and hundreds of photographs. The Museum is a Texas Historical Commission Property, managed and supported by The Admiral Nimitz Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, visit http://www.pacificwarmuseum.org. Follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Smithsonian Affiliations
Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums, educational, and cultural organizations to share Smithsonian collections, build collaborative networks, and engage learners of all ages with Smithsonian resources. More information is available at www.affiliations.si.edu.
When we pause on Veterans Day, we remember the men and women who wore the uniform, stood on the front lines, and defended freedom with courage and sacrifice. Their service shaped nations, protected families, and safeguarded opportunities for generations to come.
But honoring veterans isn’t just about ceremonies or social media posts once a year. It’s also about recognizing the lasting leadership lessons veterans bring with them into the workplace, the boardroom, and the marketplace.
For small business owners, executives, and entrepreneurs, veterans are a powerful example of how principles forged in service-discipline, teamwork, resilience, and stewardship-can transform the way we lead today.
Lesson #1: Discipline Creates Freedom
Military service requires structure, discipline, and unwavering commitment to mission. At first glance, discipline might sound restrictive. But in reality, discipline creates freedom.
When veterans bring that mindset into business, they understand how systems and processes free people to thrive. They know that structure isn’t about control-it’s about clarity, efficiency, and empowerment. Entrepreneurs who embrace discipline create organizations where employees know their roles, customers know what to expect, and leaders can focus on the bigger picture.
Lesson #2: Teamwork Wins Battles and Builds Businesses
No soldier, sailor, airman, or marine fights alone. The military teaches an unshakable truth: victory comes through teamwork.
Veterans carry that lesson into business. They know that trust, communication, and unity are more valuable than any single individual’s talent. For small businesses, this means success is not about one person carrying the load but about building a team that works together, supports each other, and shares responsibility.
A veteran in your workplace can remind everyone that “we” is always stronger than “me.”
Lesson #3: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Veterans know what it means to face challenges, adapt under pressure, and keep moving forward. That resilience is one of the greatest gifts they bring to the marketplace.
In business, setbacks are inevitable. Markets shift. Deals fall through. Unexpected crises hit. Leaders who adopt a veteran’s mindset don’t quit at the first sign of trouble. They adapt, overcome, and keep pressing toward the mission.
As James 1:12 reminds us: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
Lesson #4: Service Before Self
At its core, military service is about putting the mission-and others-before self. That same principle belongs in business leadership.
Veterans remind us that leadership is not about perks or titles-it’s about responsibility. It’s about serving customers with excellence, serving employees with care, and serving communities with impact. Businesses that adopt a “service before self” culture don’t just grow revenue-they earn loyalty, respect, and influence.
How Businesses Can Honor Veterans Beyond Veterans Day
If you’re a leader or entrepreneur, honoring veterans means more than posting a flag emoji on social media. It can look like:
Hiring and mentoring veterans who bring unmatched skills and perspectives.
Partnering with veteran-owned businesses to strengthen your supply chain and community.
Supporting veteran causes and charities with time, resources, or donations.
Learning from veteran leaders and applying those lessons in your own organization.
By doing these things, we don’t just thank veterans-we carry their legacy of service into the marketplace.
Practical Action Steps for Business Leaders
Here are three ways to put this into practice:
Audit Your Team – Ask yourself: how could your business benefit from the skills and perspective of veterans? Consider recruitment, mentoring, or training opportunities.
Build a Culture of Service – Evaluate whether your leadership culture reflects “service before self.” Celebrate stories of employees who go above and beyond.
Mark the Calendar with Purpose – Don’t let Veterans Day be the only time you talk about service and sacrifice. Incorporate those values into your year-round leadership practices.
That’s a Wrap
Veterans embody qualities that every business leader needs: discipline, teamwork, resilience, and service. They remind us that success isn’t about shortcuts or selfish gain-it’s about standing firm, working together, and serving faithfully.
So this Veterans Day, honor those who served. But don’t stop there. Carry their lessons into your leadership. Apply them in your workplace. And remember: the same principles that protect freedom on the battlefield can also build strong, values-driven businesses in the marketplace.
Here in East Texas, we are blessed to live among veterans who are also our neighbors, business owners, and community leaders. Their stories remind us that true leadership is forged in service. As we honor them this Veterans Day, let’s also apply their lessons to the way we live, work, and lead. For more faith-driven leadership insights, visit MSGPR.com
The Roadrunner soccer team offered up a last-second miracle to advance to the conference tournament championship (and now will await another miracle to see if the team will head to nationals), the men’s basketball team won its season opener and the women’s basketball team notched its very first win for its new head coach.
And the Roadrunner baseball team had some big-time fun to wrap up its fall season.
This next week will feature four home basketball games at Shands Gymnasium, so grab your hoopin’ shoes and come on out. Our Roadrunner Pep Band will make sure you don’t sit still for long.
We are AC, and we’re ready to Run ‘Em.
Here’s a quick rundown of the past week’s events, along with what’s coming up next:
Roadrunner Soccer Falls to No. 1 Tyler in Tournament Final
The Roadrunner men’s soccer team now has to play a waiting game.
The ‘Runners advanced all the way to Friday’s Region XIV Conference Tournament championship game at Tyler Junior College, only to fall 1-0 to the nation’s No. 1 team. The Apaches had averaged nearly six goals per match before Friday’s contest, and the Roadrunner defense gave them all they could handle. But Tyler’s goal in the 27th minute was the deciding factor.
To make it to Friday’s final, the ‘Runners pulled off one of the most miraculous wins in program history Tuesday in Brenham. Facing the No. 8 Blinn College Buccaneers, AC pushed the game all the way through double overtime – until Jhosua Jory took a lob pass in the box from Kanta Maruyama, headed the ball into position and blasted home the golden goal with just five seconds to play in the second OT for a 1-0 win.
The ‘Runners are hoping for an at-large bid to the upcoming NJCAA Division I National Tournament kicking off next week in Daytona Beach, Florida. The NJCAA will broadcast its selection show at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11 on the NJCAA Network.
We’ll send out more information as we get it.
No. 16 Roadrunner Basketball Wins Season Opener over Hinds CC
The Roadrunner Pep Band was loud, the Student Section was louder and the Angelina College Roadrunners used it all for fuel to top Hinds Community College 56-49 in AC’s season opener Monday at Shands Gymnasium.
AC, ranked No. 16 in the NJCAA’s pre-season national polls, boasted the nation’s top defensive last season, and the team showed it hasn’t lost its step on that end of the floor, holding the Bulldogs to just 25 points in the first half.
The problem for the ‘Runners was that Hinds was just as proficient on the defensive side, limiting AC to just 26 points over the same 20-minute period.
However, the Roadrunners used a layup from Kai’Ree Murry and a three-pointer from Zacc Sells to build an 11-point cushion midway through the second half, and the team relied on its defense to hold off a late Hinds rally for the win.
Clarence Payia led the Roadrunners in scoring in his AC debut, finishing with 16 points. Jordan Mathews added 10 points and Murray eight in the win. Daemon Ely added eight rebounds and three assists.
Daveon Henry led Hinds CC with 18 points, while teammate Austin Ratliff added 14 points.
The Roadrunners (1-0) next will face Southern Arkansas University Tech on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at Shands Gymnasium. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
Lady Roadrunner Basketball Earns First Win Under New Coach Lees
Missing its two best offensive players because of injury, the Lady Roadrunners struggled in the season’s first two games to generate enough offense to equate wins. After dropping last week’s season opener at McLennan CC, AC fell 69-51 to Collin County CC at Friday’s Tyler Classic in Tyler.
The Lady ‘Runners then bounced back on Saturday to pull out a thriller of a 75-71 win over National Park College, giving AC’s first-year head coach Addie Lees and first-year assistant coach Mercedes Corona their first wins with Angelina College.
The Lady Roadrunners (1-2) will host their home opener against Temple College on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at Shands Gymnasium. The game will tip off at 5:30 p.m.
On Friday and Saturday, the Lady ‘Runners will host the Angelina Classic at Shands Gymnasium. While other participants and their schedules are still in the works, AC’s two-day schedule is as follows:
AC vs. Western Gulf CC, 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14.
AC vs. Hinds CC, 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15.
We’ll send out other information (including any changes) as the information is provided.
Roadrunner Baseball Ends Fall Season with World Series
The Crusaders have won the World Series!
OK, so it didn’t exactly draw national attention, but the Roadrunner baseball team had a lot of fun putting together the end of its fall season. The two teams – the Orange Crush Crusaders and the Big Blue Bombers – consisted of AC players, and the teams held a draft inside Hudgins Hall on Monday. Then the teams embarked on a best-of-three series starting on Tuesday, and the Crusaders pulled out two wins to claim bragging rights.
The Roadrunners will open their 2026 campaign at home on Friday, Jan. 30 against Temple College.
Meet the Roadrunners and Lady Roadrunners
New rosters for the upcoming AC basketball seasons are now available on the Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com.).
All AC Teams Have Schedules Up and Running Online
Lady Roadrunner and Roadrunner fans can now find their favorite teams’ schedules on the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com). For now, only the fall schedules for baseball and softball are in place (with the potential to add more events later), but all other teams, including both women’s and men’s basketball, are ready for viewing and planning.
We’ll update any changes as we receive them.
We can’t wait to see you at the games.
Live Streaming Reminder:
All AC Athletics regular-season home games are live streamed on TSBN Sports (a free streaming service for fans), with most of the conference road games also available for streaming. (This does not include baseball and softball fall games, as those are not considered official games.)
Once TSBN posts its schedules, AC fans simply need to visit the AC Athletics web site, look at the scrolling schedule in the middle of the page and click the blue “Video” link.
TSBN also offers an app great for smart phones, devices and smart TVs. (You’ve GOT to see those matches and games on the big screen.)
Reminder II: Admission to ALL Angelina College Athletics sporting events is free, as is the TSBN live streaming. Any other links offering streaming are scams.
Reminder III: For the most current schedule updates (especially for potential weather issues) visit the official Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com). Fans can also receive updates on the AC Athletics Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram pages.
Upcoming schedules:
Tuesday, Nov. 11:
No. 16 Roadrunner Basketball vs. Southern Arkansas University Tech, 7 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium.
NJCAA Division I Men’s Soccer National Tournament Selection Show (live stream on NJCAA Network), 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 12:
Lady Roadrunner Basketball vs. Temple College, 5:30 p.m., Shands Gymnasium.
Friday, Nov. 14:
Lady Roadrunner Basketball vs. Western Gulf CC (Angelina Classic Day 1), 2 p.m., Shands Gymnasium.
No. 16 Roadrunner Basketball at Western Texas College (East/West Challenge), 6 p.m. in Plano, TX.
Saturday, Nov. 8:
Lady Roadrunner Basketball vs. Hinds CC (Angelina Classic Day 2), 1 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium.
No. 16 Roadrunner Basketball at Collin County CC (East/West Challenge), 8 p.m. in Plano, TX.
For any other information, contact Sports Information Director Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.
In leadership -whether in business, ministry, or family – the greatest strength doesn’t come from strategy, skill, or structure. It comes from prayer.
Paul understood this. In his letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 1:15–23), he didn’t just coach or correct the church- he prayed for them. His words model a kind of leadership that begins in gratitude, matures through intercession, and thrives by divine revelation.
1. Leadership That Praises God First
Paul wrote, “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” (vv. 16)
Every leader has a choice – to start with problems or to start with praise. Paul chose praise. He thanked God for their faith and for their love toward one another.
In a world obsessed with performance metrics and results, Paul reminds us that real leadership recognizes what God is already doing in people’s lives. Gratitude builds trust. It shifts our focus from what’s lacking to what’s lasting.
When was the last time you paused to thank God for the people on your team, your staff, or your family?
Leadership principle: Thanksgiving strengthens relationships and fuels unity.
2. Leadership That Prays for Revelation, Not Just Results
Paul didn’t pray for better facilities, higher attendance, or easier circumstances. He prayed for wisdom, revelation, and understanding.
He prayed, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ… may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened.” (vv. 17–18)
The greatest prayer we can pray for those we lead is that they see.
That they see who Christ is.
That they see who they are in Him.
That they see the power that’s already available through Him.
Leadership often tempts us to fix, to teach, to act. But sometimes, our most powerful move is to intercede – that their eyes may be opened by the Spirit, not persuaded by our words.
3. Leadership That Recognizes the Power Behind the Mission
Paul lists four demonstrations of God’s power:
The Father raised Christ from the dead.
The Father seated Him in authority.
The Father placed all things under His feet.
The Father gave Him as the Head of the Church.
This isn’t just theology- it’s leadership alignment. Christ’s authority is total. His victory is complete. And when we lead under His Lordship, His power works through us.
Too often, leaders burn out trying to carry what Christ has already conquered. Paul reminds us- the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us who believe. (v. 19)
Leadership principle: We lead from victory, not for victory.
Faith Connection
As leaders, we are not CEOs of our own destiny; we are stewards of God’s calling. Paul’s prayer invites us to lead prayerfully – to depend on divine revelation more than human reason.
Jesus Himself modeled this. Before choosing His disciples, He prayed all night (Luke 6:12). Before facing the cross, He prayed for strength (Luke 22:42). Prayer wasn’t His backup plan – it was His leadership plan.
Application: Three Ways to Lead with a Bountiful Prayer Life
1. Start every meeting or decision with gratitude.
Name what God has already done. Celebrate progress before planning change.
2. Intercede for those you lead.
Don’t just manage people -shepherd them. Ask God to open their eyes to their hope, value, and calling.
3. Rely on resurrection power.
Remember that Christ’s victory secures your confidence. Lead boldly, but rest humbly in His strength.
Paul’s prayer to the Ephesians is still a call to leaders today: to know Christ more deeply, to see His power more clearly, and to lead His people more faithfully.
Because leadership that begins in prayer doesn’t just change others—it transforms us.
That’s a Wrap.
If this message encouraged you, share it with another leader who needs a reminder that prayer isn’t a last resort – it’s the first step toward powerful, faith-driven leadership.
“Well, being born again doesn’t mean to go back into your mother’s stomach,” says Taylor, 11. “It means being born into the family of God.”
Unlike Taylor, the religious leader (Nicodemus) who came by night to talk with Jesus missed the point entirely. Jesus spoke of being born again spiritually. Nicodemus thought Jesus spoke of a physical birth when he said, “How can a man be born when he is old?” (John 3:4a).
“To be born again means you have to trust God as your savior,” says Hannah, 10. “What that means is: 1) Believe that Jesus is God’s son. 2) Believe that He died on the cross for your sins. 3) Believe that He rose again.”
Hannah’s clear presentation sounds like the Apostle Paul’s description of the gospel in his letter to the Corinthians (I Corinthians 15:3-4). Don’t get sidetracked on superfluous issues. Present the gospel clearly and concisely.
“Being born again means being born or adopted into the Lord’s family and becoming one of his children,” says Maranatha, 12. “You must first believe that Jesus died and rose again.
“In I Peter 1:23, it says, ‘having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.’ This means you are saved by the Word of God, and its work is eternal, never perishing.”
God’s Word is God’s agent in spiritual birthing. The Bible has a lot to say about the power of God’s Word. Don’t ever underestimate the power of God’s Word to change lives: your own and others’. The longest Psalm in the Bible is entirely devoted to the importance of God’s Word (Psalm 119).
“Probably the most important thing about being born again is that the Holy Spirit is living in you,” says Anna, 10. “He came, cleaned you out and is now living in you.”
We live in a time that the Old Testament prophets could only dream about. Some foretold of a time when God would dwell in the hearts of his people instead of a Jerusalem temple. That time is now! Yet, many Christians remain unaware of this spiritual reality. They don’t take time to listen to the promptings, guidings and teachings of God’s Spirit.
The Spirit-filled life is not living in Weirdsville. It’s productive. The Apostle Paul describes it as fruitful: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
Being born again not only secures your eternal destiny with God in heaven, it gives you the possibility of living a truly productive and satisfying life. However, it’s not automatic. The same Apostle Paul who encouraged Christians to live productive lives also warned them to not grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).
At the moment people trust the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior, they are delivered forever from the penalty of sin. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, they now possess the power to live productive lives free from sin’s destructive power. Jesus wants to live though his people in a way that involves their willful submission to him. When they fail to submit, God tries to get their attention through loving discipline (Hebrews 12:6).
Think about this: Being delivered from the penalty of sin is called justification. Being delivered from the power of sin is called sanctification.
Memorize this truth: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Ask this question: Am I born again?
With the arrival of November, hunters across the state have finally taken to the field for the highly anticipated 2025 hunting season. With white-tailed deer and duck season underway, I want to remind all of my fellow hunters to make sure you’ve purchased your hunting license and federal duck stamp before heading out to the woods.
I’d also like to encourage you to consider downloading the Texas Outdoor Annual App and the Texas Hunt & Fish App. The Outdoor Annual App allows you to access information about hunting season dates, bag limits and regulations, and public land open for hunting. The Texas Hunt & Fish App allows you to purchase your hunting license through the app, access your license on your device, and even report your take – all from the convenience of your phone. For more information, please visit www.tpwd.texas.gov.
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…
Capitol Update
The Texas economy continues to boom across the state, signaling the success of Texas’s pro-business policies and solidifying its position as the preeminent state for business.
Recently, Governor Abbott announced that Texas has been named America’s Top Business Climate for a third year in a row! This was driven by a combination of business relocations and expansions in Texas, pro-growth policies enacted by the Legislature, investments in workforce development, and low regulatory burdens on businesses.
Additionally, the State Comptroller announced that state sales tax revenue totaled $4.2 billion in October, 4.6 percent more than in October 2024. The strongest source of sales tax in October was from motor vehicle sales and rentals, followed by motor fuel taxes and oil & natural gas production taxes. According to the comptroller, these collections grew faster than inflation and reflect an economy that should continue to grow in the future.
As a final note, last week our region was shocked by the violent shooting of a Jacksonville Police Department officer and her service canine. While the East Texas region was on high alert, the men and women of our local law enforcement agencies and the Department of Public Safety jumped into action to track down the assailant.
I want to thank our courageous folks in uniform for their efforts in capturing the perpetrator this week, and I also want to thank Governor Greg Abbott and the Department of Public Safety for offering a $10,000 reward for Dennis’s arrest and moving him to the top of Texas’s Most Wanted List. Finally, I hope you all will join me in praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded Jacksonville Police Officer, her family, and the wounded canine.
The mobile office is on the road again in November, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: November 12 at the Polk County Commissioner’s Court Room in Livingston from 9:30-11:30 am, or at the Tyler County Courthouse in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 pm; November 19 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30 am, or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 pm.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762, and our Capitol office at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will post regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.
(Photo: A wildfire consumes cured grass in Texas.)
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M Forest Service warns of increased wildfire danger, as changing weather conditions impact the state.
After increasingly dry conditions over the past 10 days, Texas has experienced a warming trend this week. In portions of the Texas Plains, last week’s first hard freeze has pushed native grasses into dormancy. Dormant and cured grasses ignite more easily and require less drying and fire-conducive weather to support wildfire activity.
“Elevated fire weather conditions are expected on Thursday across areas near Amarillo, Childress and Lubbock, where dry, dormant grasses will contribute to increased potential for wildfire activity,” said Luke Kanclerz, Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services Department Head. “A large wildfire with moderate resistance to control is possible, particularly in areas with complex terrain near river drainages, where conditions may support more challenging fire behavior.”
Recent trends show that nearly 40% of wildfires reported in Texas over the past week were caused by debris burning and equipment use. These activities can easily ignite a wildfire under current dry and warm conditions.
“With current weather conditions setting the stage for increased wildfire activity, we need all Texans to do their part in prevention,” said Jared Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “It is critical to follow local burn bans, properly maintain equipment and take extra precautions to help prevent wildfires.”
No precipitation is forecast statewide for the next seven days. An unusually warm and dry pattern is expected to persist for at least the next two weeks. As hot and dry conditions persist, consider the following:
Always obey local burn bans and outdoor burning restrictions. Wait to conduct any outdoor burning or light campfires until the burn ban has been lifted, and weather conditions improve.
When a burn ban is in place, residents should avoid outdoor activities that may cause a spark, including welding, grinding and using heavy machinery.
Exercise extreme caution when working outdoors with heavy equipment. Malfunctioning equipment can spark or overheat and cause a wildfire. Check equipment frequently for trapped debris and check bearings for signs of overheating.
Many areas of Texas are experiencing high temperatures, dry and windy weather conditions. Residents should stay up to date on weather conditions and always use extreme caution when performing outdoor activities even if not under a burn ban.
Stay wildfire aware. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.
For more information about wildfire prevention, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/wildfire-and-other-disasters/homeowners-prevention-and-preparedness/
For information on the current wildfire situation in Texas, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/wildfire-and-other-disasters/current-wildfire-status/
I’ve been watching our local weather forecast and it looks like we are in for some 30-something degree weather! With overnight lows dipping into the lower 30s in the coming days, many East Texans are wondering whether they should rush out and cover every plant they own. But according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension horticulture specialists, not every cold snap is the same—and not every plant needs saving.
A light frost is typically 30–32°F for only a short period before sunrise. This is part of a normal fall transition and, for our part of the world, happens in mid-November on average. A hard freeze, 28°F or below for several hours, is what causes serious injury. Knowing the difference can save you a lot of effort, and in many cases, unnecessary worry.
So, let’s dive in- What is at risk at 30°F? Warm-season annuals are the first to show damage. Warm season herbs such as basil, and flowers such as coleus, sweet potato vine, and anything tropical will likely turn to mush after a frost. Summer vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers—if you still have them hanging on—will be also ruined once frost hits the foliage.
Warm-season turf like St. Augustine or Bermuda is already going dormant this time of year, and AgriLife turf specialists point out that a single frost is not harmful to the grass itself. San Augustine grass, our favorite lawn grass, largely stops growing when temperatures stay around 55° F.
Bermuda and Bahia grass pastures will stop growing as well. Bermuda grass typically stops when soil temps consistently reach 60 F. Bahia will continue to grow (every so slightly) until temps are in the 50° F range.
But in your fall planted vegetable or ornamental gardens, you may have several plants that will push through and never notice the coming 30° temperatures. AgriLife horticulture guidance notes that broccoli, cabbage, kale, collards, carrots, lettuce, beets, turnips, pansies, violas, snapdragons, and dusty miller all tolerate a light frost and often improve in color and flavor because of it.
So, before you drag out the bedsheets to cover your plants, it’s worth deciding what truly needs protection. Plants don’t die because the air hit 31°F—they die because heat radiates out of the soil into the night air. Clear, wind-still nights are the most dangerous. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recommends using frost cloth or lightweight fabric—not plastic—to trap heat rising from the ground. Covers should reach all the way to the soil and be weighted at the edges. A cover floating above a plant won’t help much.
Just as important, covers must come off the next morning. Leaving them on during a sunny day can trap too much heat and cause even more damage.
Don’t have a frost cloth…or don’t want to bother with putting it on? Watering before a frost helps. Many folks are surprised to learn that slightly moist soil protects plants. Moist ground absorbs and holds heat better than dry ground. Again, research from AgriLife and other universities say watering the day before a freeze can help insulate plant roots. Once frost arrives, though, watering won’t “save” already-damaged leaves.
Container plants are the most at risk, since exposed pots lose heat quickly. I remember foolishly claiming to a local nursery owner how my figs all came back from the very cold weather we had in February 2021. My figs were in the soil and mulched well. The nurseries figs were all in pots where all sides were exposed to the freezing temps.
If you have potted plants that won’t take a frost, move your containers into the garage or under a porch. If they must stay outside, cluster them together near a house wall to take advantage of stored heat, and wrap the pot—not just the foliage.
Also, don’t prune after a frost. This is one of the more frequent mistakes. Frost-damaged leaves look ugly, but experts caution against pruning right away. Damaged foliage can actually insulate the plant from the next freeze. Wait until late winter or early spring to remove dead material.
A practical plan for this coming cold weather is to protect tropical plants, summer vegetables, and tender annual flowers. If you have container plants that you want to save, move them “inside” or wrap them well. The day before the cold weather arrives, water the soil to add a measure of ‘heat’ to the ground around it.
I do have some woven frost-protection sheets that an aged gardener gifted me long ago. I don’t know if I’ll make this, potential, first frost a big deal. Maybe I’ll save some potted plants that I want to last a little longer and let the rest go.
Tia Johnson with 12 News Daybreak will host Tia’s Tales in partnership with the Jasper Public Library this Saturday November 8th starting at 11 am until 1 pm. Located in the Kiwanis Park behind the Library on 175 East Water Street in Jasper.
After story time, there will be a dinosaur activity where participants will dig for dinosaur eggs in a ball pit set up inside the park.
It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year! Join us for the San Augustine Main Street Lighted Christmas Parade on Friday, December 5th at 6:00 PM in Downtown San Augustine. This year’s theme is “Classic Christmas Movies”—so get ready for a magical night full of lights, holiday cheer, and timeless Christmas memories!
I have parade entry forms ready to go! They can be picked up at the San Augustine County Courthouse, office 301 on the 3rd floor!
